Firefighters rush to put out raging inferno in Clacton town centre

Firefighters raced to put out a huge fire in a town centre as the blaze spread to several properties. 

Emergency services were called to a building on West Avenue in Clacton, Essex, at about 12.35am on Monday. 

Locals were evacuated from their homes after the inferno spread to nearby buildings. 

A refuge centre was set up for displaced residents by Tendring District Council and Premier Inn Clacton. 

Several streets – including Jackson Road, Penfold Road and Agate Road – were closed while firefighters battled with the flames. 

Incident Commander Nick Singleton said: ‘Crews have worked hard to surround the fire.

‘We will be remaining here for a significant time during the day to make sure the fire is fully extinguished.

‘Thank you to our emergency services colleagues who have helped us safety evacuate nearby residents.’

People living near the blaze were urged to keep windows and doors shut due to the smoke. 

Crews remained at the scene at 5am and have been fighting to extinguish the building, which was fully alight. 

Photos show the property completely engulfed in flames and reduced to a hollow shell. 

The Daily Mail has approached Essex Police for comment.